Shelton continued to argue with animal rights advocates, before finally insisting that his original comment was just a joke.

The Voice coach commented: "The best part of all of this is that the dumb asses didn't even look to see that I'm not even in Oklahoma today!! I'm in North Dakota!! Do they even have turtles in North Dakota?!!! God almighty!!! What's wrong with people?! Get a life!! Get a job!! Get laid!! For once!!!

"For the last time I didn't hit a turtle! I haven't seen a turtle! So please all you turtle freaks go back to eating your boogers!! It's ok."

He ultimately offered an apology to anyone he offended with his original message.

"Ok.. Now that 'Turtle-Gate' is over I want to apologise for my ignorant joke.. I never ran over a turtle. It wasn't even possible," the singer posted, adding: "And also I'd like to thank my followers for always having my back!!! Y'all know my sense of humour. And yes it's screwed up..."